Will definitely be interesting this year to see how they react to last year, that said, there just isn't anyone in the entire organization ready to overtake Hank as the number one center...unless Bo Horvat comes out of left field to be that guy in a few years?

Never say never!!
- LeftCoaster

McDavid?

It's not like they were fast to begin with either...and they've had what? 4/14 good seasons? They will be 40 pt players within 3 years.
- I-own_da-Northwest

WTF - really?

Hank has had 9 good seasons in the league, Daniel has had 8.

McDavid?
- VANTEL

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I'd need to see that progress, even by consistent showings on the 2nd line, before believing they can step up to face the league's best defensemen and still produce. This season should go a long way to seeing what we have but I just don't see where new top liners will come from at present unless they're brought in via UFA or trade.
- AlexF

I am going out on a limb and saying we have two surprising players this year. Surprising in a good way.

I also think Horvat makes the team this year only for the fact he doesn't need another year of Jr.

I am going out on a limb and saying we have two surprising players this year. Surprising in a good way.
- VANTEL

Would be great to see. I think we'd need a trade(s) first to clear some room and give players a chance to succeed. If I had to bet money I'd say Benning isn't done yet on the trade front.

WTF - really?

Hank has had 9 good seasons in the league, Daniel has had 8.
- LeftCoaster

I actually counted 6 and 5 where they were good enough to be first liners. They had 2nd line/3rd line Pts last year. Was very reminiscint of their first 6 or 7 years in the league.

Would be great to see. I think we'd need a trade(s) first to clear some room and give players a chance to succeed. If I had to bet money I'd say Benning isn't done yet on the trade front.
- AlexF

I'm guessing he has some irons in the fire and some teams don't feel compelled to accept. Unless that changes he'll wait till camp and see how things are shaking out before putting on his trader Jim hat and busting a few moves

Would be great to see. I think we'd need a trade(s) first to clear some room and give players a chance to succeed. If I had to bet money I'd say Benning isn't done yet on the trade front.
- AlexF

I agree. he said this is the team we will take to training camp but I don't think he believes that.

It is not the fact that I hate Higgins but we need to open up,a few roster spots to let the kids play.

We know for sure Twins Vrbata and Bonino are top 6 and more than likely Kassian.

That leaves us 4 spots to fill with Jensen Burrows Hansen Higgins Horvat Vey and any kid having a great camp . Players have to go.

I also think Horvat makes the team this year only for the fact he doesn't need another year of Jr.
- VANTEL

The one thing about Horvat making the team is that he is a shut-down type center. His offense may not be staggering his first couple years as a pro but he could take over Kes's hard minutes. LIke Courterier did for Philly in his rookie season. I think he has a legit shot but if I was putting money on it I'd guess Jr before 3rd line center.

I don't know if a public place is such a good idea. I would rather replace a TV than face a long list of criminal charges. But thanks for the suggestion, I know it comes from a good place.
- Marwood

Doesn't that sort of them happen in Cumberland all the time?

But you are correct, that suggestion did come from the bottom of my heart

I'm guessing he has some irons in the fire and some teams don't feel compelled to accept. Unless that changes he'll wait till camp and see how things are shaking out before putting on his trader Jim hat and busting a few moves
- Salient

If Tanev is signing a one year deal for 3 mil he is being moved by TDL at the very latest? He is a good young player and should get a decent return combined with Lack

The one thing about Horvat making the team is that he is a shut-down type center. His offense may not be staggering his first couple years as a pro but he could take over Kes's hard minutes. LIke Courterier did for Philly in his rookie season. I think he has a legit shot but if I was putting money on it I'd guess Jr before 3rd line center.
- Salient

I can't seeing him being sent back to jr unless he is horrible

The one thing about Horvat making the team is that he is a shut-down type center. His offense may not be staggering his first couple years as a pro but he could take over Kes's hard minutes. LIke Courterier did for Philly in his rookie season. I think he has a legit shot but if I was putting money on it I'd guess Jr before 3rd line center.
- Salient

If Horvat turns out to be a "Couturier" type player, I would be estatic

it doesn't sound like anyone is giving Fox Cassels or any of the other Jr players a chance to shine at Prospect camp.

I actually counted 6 and 5 where they were good enough to be first liners. They had 2nd line/3rd line Pts last year. Was very reminiscint of their first 6 or 7 years in the league.
- I-own_da-Northwest

Any time, IMO, you surpass the 70 point mark in todays NHL, you've had a good season. Last year 17 players out of > 800 players had equal to or greater than 70 points, that's a good season.

The lockout year they both had 40 or more points in 47 or 48 games, so the same logic applies.

I know the forecast for this weekend isn't great, but things are looking up compared to this time last year, the team is headed in the right direction.

We still have more bottom6 than top6, but just hoping some of those guys are ready to transition to the top like Kassian and see what this Vey kid is really all about.

We are in a better position than last year where we got Torts and a new philosophy but no significant change in personnel.
- hillbillydeluxe

Agreed that things are more encouraging now than this time last year. Just have to keep the expectations realistic/low for the next couple of seasons.
Thanks for trying to love me out of it!!

If Tanev is signing a one year deal for 3 mil he is being moved by TDL at the very latest? He is a good young player and should get a decent return combined with Lack
- VANTEL

Trade Tanev for franson. Franson had 282 hits 111 blocked shots last year. Sign franson for 5 years 25.

I'm guessing he has some irons in the fire and some teams don't feel compelled to accept. Unless that changes he'll wait till camp and see how things are shaking out before putting on his trader Jim hat and busting a few moves
- Salient

Yep. Hoping Benning has some plans/scenarios where we may be able to pickup a good player or make a deal with a team that is up against the salary cap.


There are spots that may be up for grabs. So much is dependent on bounce back years. So much was made of so many players having off years last season, but what are the chances of the same players having bounce back years?

Burrows has to have a better showing.

Trade Tanev for franson. Franson had 282 hits 111 blocked shots last year. Sign franson for 5 years 25.
- manvanfan

I like Franson but I think Tanev is much better.

Franson has a better shot and hits more but defensively has problems , it could also be lack of confidence playing for a bad defensive team.

Yep. Hoping Benning has some plans/scenarios where we may be able to pickup a good player or make a deal with a team that is up against the salary cap.


There are spots that may be up for grabs. So much is dependent on bounce back years. So much was made of so many players having off years last season, but what are the chances of the same players having bounce back years?

Burrows has to have a better showing.
- hillbillydeluxe

Tanev and Lack for Smith and Boychuck

it doesn't sound like anyone is giving Fox Cassels or any of the other Jr players a chance to shine at Prospect camp.
- VANTEL

Grenier

Thought the discussion needed scoobying up
- 1970vintage

Play Horvat
Trade Higgins
Fire Aquilini

Grenier
- manvanfan

He is a head scratcher , why have they not given this kid a look?

Doesn't that sort of them happen in Cumberland all the time?

But you are correct, that suggestion did come from the bottom of my heart
- PetrolSexual

Most weekends.


Edit: Sorry, didn't mean to shout at everybody.